Anytime you can involve the spectator in an effect...that is a plus for you. Coins across in a spectators hand is that...a plus, since it involves them. They will take more interest in the effect...the magic is stronger in their eyes due to the fact that it is happening in their hands...not yours. However, there is one down fall to this type effect. It only has maximum impact for small intimate audiences. A straight coins across will play better for a larger venue. You have instant visibility of the coin going across in your hands...no delay of the spectators trying to see it in someone elses hand. So what do you doin a situation like this...easy, learn at least one variation of each type method and chose accordingly to the size crowd you are working for!

Mike

David NelsonElite user
San Mateo, CA
405 Posts

Posted: Nov 1, 2004 06:24 pm

0

I'm glad that mike pointed out the potential problem with coins across in a spectator's hand. It's stronger for that spectator but can be potentially weaker for the rest of the audience if they can't see well enough to experience the magic.

In order to maximize the impact of this type of routine you ought to carefully choose the audience member who gets to have the magic happen to them. Someone who registers no surprise or amazement will diminish the effect while someone who is obviously amazed and enjoying the effect will make it seem bigger to the rest. Use David Blaine as an example here, the audience reaction can make the effects seem that much better.

Dave

MagicmavenInner circle
1234 Posts

Posted: Nov 5, 2004 04:18 pm

0

As long as the trick runs smoothly, transfering the coins from your hand to the spectators', is better than from your left hand, to your right. Of course their are a few exceptions.

Rmax

hocopocoNew user
78 Posts

Posted: Nov 6, 2004 07:03 am

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I am a strong advocate of Derek Dingle's Quick Silver. As I mentioned in other posts, he performed and I do as well, this effect with English pennies.

I perform this effect at least 30 times per week, and without doubt, it is one of the strongest effects possible. Impossible to figure out in the spectator's minds.

Re: Mike Gallo's comment about being limited to a more intimate audience...While I do agree in principle, I have performed this for groups of 20-25 people. Although I am sure that they can't all see the coins in the spectator's hand, they CAN see her visible reactions to the passage of each coin.

I also understand that Michael Weber has a version where he stands behind a spectator, focusing the attention on her facial reactions as each coin passes.

Although this trick is not easy to perform, and will take practice, it is worth it's "weight in gold" if you'll put in the time necessary.

Dan WatkinsInner circle
PA
3025 Posts

Posted: Jan 11, 2005 05:58 pm

0

Mike,

I had to wait to reply when you first wrote this thread.

I think that coins across in a spectator's hand is just killer.

When you wrote this thread, I had a routine I was not ready to tip yet called "4 Coins, Your Hands". I just released Coinvanish Volume 2, which tips the work on it.

Here is an excerpt from Coinvanish Volume 2 regarding this routine, and my thoughts about this concept: